Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,174 results
in Scam Awareness
kaaltv.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming products have been recalled, trying to trick consumers into clicking malicious links and stealing their personal information. One consumer avoided the scam by verifying directly through her Amazon app rather than clicking the suspicious link. To protect yourself, always check for recalls directly on the retailer's app or website, or visit official sources like recalls.gov or the Consumer Product Safety Commission website instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-04
Robert Dunlap was sentenced to 23 years in prison for operating a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded approximately 1,000 investors of over $20 million between 2018 and 2023. He marketed a fake digital asset called "Meta-1 Coin" through social media and seminars, falsely claiming it was backed by $44 billion in gold and a valuable art collection, could generate returns exceeding 200,000%, and was independently audited—none of which was true. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of cryptocurrency investments promising unrealistic returns, verify any claims through independent sources, and remember that legitimate investments are never guaranteed.
nbcwashington.com
· 2026-05-04
Celebrity Kathy Hilton fell victim to an AI-generated deepfake scam promoting a "Jell-O diet" that used fake videos of Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Kelly Clarkson, and Dr. Oz to appear credible. The scam, which spread through social media ads, duped Hilton into trying the diet, which left her bloated and caused digestive issues, though the celebrities had no actual involvement. To protect yourself, verify celebrity endorsements directly through their official social media accounts and be skeptical of health product claims from unknown sources, as AI technology now makes it easier for scammers to create convincing fake videos.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has become a victim of identity theft by romance scammers who use his photos to create fake profiles posing as military personnel, then manipulate victims into sending money. When scam victims discover the deception, they often find Steven's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him, despite his innocence. To protect yourself from romance scams, be cautious of military personnel requesting money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious accounts to the appropriate authorities rather than confronting the person in the photos.
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2026-05-04
A 40-year-old former British soldier from Bootle has had his identity stolen by online romance scammers who use his photographs to create fake profiles impersonating serving soldiers and defrauding victims. When the scam victims realize they've been deceived, they often find Steven Kelly's real social media accounts and direct abuse and death threats at him instead of the actual fraudsters. Although Kelly has reported the issue to Report Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting center), his case has not been passed to a local police force for investigation, leaving him to endure ongoing harassment from unwitting scam victims.
cointribune.com
· 2026-05-04
The XRP community was targeted by AI-powered romance scams during the Las Vegas conference, where fraudsters used fake AI-generated photos of women to contact attendees via direct messages and attempt to lure them into sending cryptocurrency. These "pig butchering" scams typically start by building trust on social media before moving conversations to encrypted apps and pressuring victims to invest in fraudulent platforms or send crypto. To stay safe, attendees should be skeptical of unsolicited messages from strangers, avoid sharing personal details or investment information with unknown contacts, and verify identities before engaging in any financial discussions.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2026-05-04
The Del Sol Lions Club is hosting a presentation on May 26 by fraud expert Lisa Carroll, who will educate the public about how artificial intelligence is being used to defraud seniors. Carroll, a certified fraud examiner with 30 years of accounting experience, will discuss fraud prevention strategies during the free event at La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach. Seniors and their families are encouraged to attend to learn how to recognize and protect themselves from AI-enabled scams.
tekedia.com
· 2026-05-04
The FBI arrested 276 individuals and dismantled nine organized crypto fraud centers operating like professional enterprises, which had extracted millions of dollars from victims through sophisticated scams including "pig butchering" schemes where scammers built trust with targets via social media before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. These coordinated fraud operations employed trained personnel, scripted interactions, and fake investment dashboards to maintain legitimacy, primarily targeting unsuspecting U.S. investors who were approached by scammers posing as financial advisors or romantic interests. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, verify the legitimacy of financial advisors through official channels, and never transfer funds to anyone you haven't verified through independent means.
wgnsradio.com
· 2026-05-03
A Rutherford County podcast episode examined two critical threats to elderly residents: physical abuse (highlighted by a 2009 murder case) and financial exploitation through scams targeting seniors. The episode featured law enforcement and prosecutors discussing common scams like romance schemes and digital payment app fraud, while introducing VAPIT, a task force dedicated to investigating elder abuse and exploitation. The discussion emphasized that seniors are vulnerable to predators who manipulate them through fear and appeals to kindness, underscoring the importance of community awareness and intervention in protecting elderly residents.
abc.net.au
· 2026-05-03
Several video games on Steam depict scam compound operations where players run fraudulent schemes, upsetting survivors of real scam centers who were trafficked and forced to commit fraud. One survivor, Gavesh, who was trafficked to KK Park in Myanmar and forced to conduct "pig butchering" scams for 16 hours daily, expressed disgust at games like Scam Center Simulator, saying "This is not a game, this is our life." While organized crime syndicates operating real scam compounds steal tens of billions annually according to the UN, if you encounter recruitment offers for data entry or remote work—especially from Southeast Asia—be extremely cautious, verify employers independently, and report suspicious job postings to authorities.
smh.com.au
· 2026-05-03
Financial scams in Australia have cost victims over $2.1 billion between 2020 and 2025, with investment scams, phishing scams, and romance scams being the most expensive, while shopping scams are the most common. Men are disproportionately affected by investment scams (64% of victims), losing an average of $7,000 each, with residents in Victoria and NSW accounting for nearly half of all reported cases. To protect yourself, stay vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics, verify investment opportunities independently, be cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and report suspected fraud to authorities like Scamwatch.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-03
Canada is considering banning cryptocurrency ATMs to reduce fraud, as scammers frequently direct victims of romance and impersonation scams to these machines to withdraw cash irreversibly. The ATMs are attractive fraud vectors because they offer near-anonymous transactions with minimal identity verification, unlike traditional exchanges. Consumers should be cautious if anyone—especially online contacts—instructs them to use crypto ATMs, and regulators may implement alternatives like transaction limits or mandatory identity checks instead of a full ban.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-05-03
Seniors in America lose approximately $800 million annually to scams, with experts warning that the problem is growing as technology and AI make fraudulent schemes harder to detect. The two main types targeting older adults are imposter scams (where criminals claim to be someone else and demand urgent money) and investment scams (offering unrealistic returns with false urgency), and many cases go unreported due to shame or denial. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they have accumulated significant liquid assets and limited time to recover financially after retirement, so experts recommend staying skeptical of unsolicited financial offers and reporting suspected fraud rather than suffering in silence.
rutherfordsource.com
· 2026-05-03
Social media scams cost people $2.1 billion in 2025, with losses dramatically increasing since 2020 according to Federal Trade Commission data. Scammers operate on popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, posing as friends or family to deceive users. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious posts, verify requests before sharing personal information, and report any suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or learn more at ftc.gov/scams.
theatlantic.com
· 2026-05-03
Advanced AI image-generation tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT Images 2.0 can now create highly realistic deepfakes of documents and alerts—including fake prescriptions, bank notifications, IDs, and passports—making them effective weapons for fraud and scams. The technology is particularly dangerous because it can accurately render text within images, a capability previous AI models struggled with, enabling criminals to deceive the general public through convincing forgeries. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected financial alerts or requests, verify communications through official channels directly, and stay informed about emerging deepfake technology so you can spot suspicious imagery.
today.com
· 2026-05-03
Scammers are impersonating popular social media influencers to trick people into sending money or making purchases, targeting users across online platforms. The fraud typically involves fake accounts that look like legitimate influencers, deceiving followers who trust the original creator's recommendations. To protect yourself, verify that you're following an influencer's official account by checking for verification badges, never click suspicious links in messages, and be wary of unsolicited requests for money or urgent purchase offers.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-05-03
A scam targeting hundreds of people, particularly Spanish speakers in the Denver area, tricked them into believing they had unpaid traffic fines and would be arrested if they didn't pay. The fraudulent text messages included a QR code designed to steal money from victims, causing about 200 people to show up at Denver County Court seeking clarification on Friday. To protect yourself, never respond to suspicious texts about fines, remember that courts never contact people via text or QR codes about legal matters, and report any suspicious messages to local police or Colorado's Stop Fraud hotline at 720-913-9179.
tnonline.com
· 2026-05-03
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning residents about a new variation of cash scams where criminals use intermediaries (like Uber drivers) to collect payment in person, after manipulating victims with fake emergencies or fraudulent alerts—two recent cases resulted in over $30,000 in losses. Victims are typically pressured to act quickly and told to withdraw cash for urgent situations like family emergencies or false fraud charges. The state recommends never paying cash to unknown people, ignoring unsolicited calls and pop-ups, and taking time to verify claims rather than acting under pressure.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-05-02
Seniors in America lose approximately $800 million annually to scams, with experts identifying two main types: imposter scams (where criminals claim to be someone else and demand urgent payment) and investment scams (fake opportunities promising unrealistic returns). Technology and AI make these scams increasingly difficult to detect, and many victims don't report being scammed due to shame or denial, making the problem even larger than statistics suggest. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent money requests, verify caller identities through official channels, and remember that legitimate investments never guarantee unrealistic returns with minimal risk.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-05-02
Social media scams cost consumers $2.1 billion in 2025 and are now the costliest type of scam, with 30% of fraud victims reporting the scam started on social media—an increase of more than eight times since 2020. These scams target people across most age groups and include various schemes exploiting public profiles and connections. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends checking your privacy settings, being cautious about who you connect with, remembering that your posts are visible to anyone worldwide, and staying aware of common social media scam tactics.
wdbj7.com
· 2026-05-02
Scammers in Roanoke are impersonating sheriff's deputies, using real names and phone numbers to convince residents they've missed court dates and owe bond payments that must be paid immediately. Victims are pressured to stay on the line while being transferred between multiple callers who become aggressive when questioned. To protect yourself, independently verify any law enforcement claims by calling the actual agency directly, and remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or force you to stay on a call.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-02
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated scams, deepfakes, and malware that are harder to detect and easier to launch, even for those without technical skills. According to the latest IC3 report, AI-related fraud has already caused over $893 million in losses across more than 22,000 complaints, with the dark web AI market expected to grow significantly in coming years. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about suspicious emails and messages, verify unexpected requests through alternative channels, keep your software updated, and use multi-factor authentication on important accounts.
patch.com
· 2026-05-02
Police in New York arrested two men after discovering three cash-filled packages at an abandoned house that were connected to fraud scams targeting seniors across multiple states, including a $6,700 bank con from Utah, a $12,500 computer virus scam from Illinois, and a $24,500 FBI impersonation scam from Colorado. The suspects were caught retrieving the packages containing a total of $43,700 in stolen funds. Seniors should be cautious of common scams like grandparent schemes, romance fraud, and government impersonation, and verify requests for money by contacting financial institutions or government agencies directly using official phone numbers.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-02
Scammers are using deceptive "expert advice" websites and fake tech support services to trick customers into recurring monthly charges by making them believe they're only paying a small one-time fee. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams, which often involve pop-up messages claiming virus infections or unsolicited emails requesting payment for device protection, ultimately giving fraudsters access to credit card information and sometimes even remote control of computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-ups—instead hold down your device's power button for 10 seconds to reboot, and be wary of unsolicited contacts about device problems or services requiring payment.
today.com
· 2026-05-02
Celebrity Kathy Hilton fell victim to a deepfake scam promoting a Jell-O diet that used AI-generated videos of Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Kelly Clarkson, and Dr. Mehmet Oz to appear as though they endorsed the product—they did not. After trying the diet and experiencing bloating and digestive issues, Hilton discovered the deception; the scam has been spreading through social media ads, and none of the featured celebrities are actually involved. To protect yourself, verify celebrity endorsements directly through their official social media accounts and be cautious before purchasing products promoted through ads featuring public figures, especially if you can't confirm the endorsement through their verified channels.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-02
The US, UAE, and Chinese authorities shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers operating across multiple countries, arresting 276 individuals involved in "pig-butchering" schemes that defrauded American victims of millions of dollars. US victims lost $11.4 billion to crypto fraud in 2025, with older Americans particularly targeted through phishing, extortion, and fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, verify the legitimacy of any cryptocurrency platform independently, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cryptonews.net
· 2026-05-02
Romance scammers are using AI-generated images of attractive women to target attendees of the XRP Las Vegas cryptocurrency conference, attempting to lure them into "pig butchering" scams where fraudsters build fake emotional connections and then pressure victims to send cryptocurrency or invest in fraudulent platforms. Conference attendees, who have already spent significant money on tickets and travel, are particularly vulnerable targets for these schemes. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited messages from strangers on social media, avoid sharing personal or financial information with new contacts you meet online, and be especially skeptical of anyone trying to steer conversations toward cryptocurrency investments or donations.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-02
In 2026, law enforcement from the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security arrested 276 individuals and shut down nine cryptocurrency fraud centers, with American residents losing millions of dollars to scams. The most prevalent scheme was "pig butchering," where scammers pose as friends or romantic partners to build trust before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency projects and stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from online contacts, verify the identities of people encouraging crypto investments, and never grant wallet access or sign unfamiliar transactions.
rte.ie
· 2026-05-01
Online purchase scams have become Ireland's most common form of fraud, accounting for nearly half of all fraud cases and reaching €160 million in reported losses in 2024—a 24.5% increase from the previous year. Scammers create fake websites mimicking legitimate Irish businesses and use AI-generated imagery, stolen content from real people (including Irish content creators), and social media advertising to trick shoppers into paying for goods that never arrive. To protect yourself, verify websites carefully before purchasing, check social media accounts for red flags, avoid clicking ads from unfamiliar brands, and use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
wisbusiness.com
· 2026-05-01
Moving scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, with over 21,000 inquiries and 50+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2025, with victims losing a median of $532 each. Common scams include hidden fees, massive price hikes, missing items, and goods being held hostage for additional payment. To protect yourself, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring, verify their legitimacy on BBB.org, and be cautious of red flags like requests for large upfront deposits via informal payment methods like Zelle or payment requests sent to personal names without official company information.
sedaliademocrat.com
· 2026-05-01
A fraud expert spoke at a Sedalia church event warning residents about multi-billion dollar scams, emphasizing that victims like Linda Noble—who has been defrauded twice—can take steps to protect themselves. Banking expert Pete Selenke advised people to never hide financial transactions and to welcome questions from bankers about withdrawals, explaining that banks are legally required to monitor suspicious activity to protect customers. The key takeaway for the general audience is that if someone pressures you to hide a transaction or keep financial activities secret, it's a major red flag for fraud.
dailyhodl.com
· 2026-05-01
A Charlotte, North Carolina woman lost $30,000 after scammers impersonated Bank of America employees, convincing her there was suspicious activity on her account and instructing her to withdraw cash and hand it to someone posing as a private investigator. At least five people in the area have reported similar schemes, with scammers using personal information and verification codes to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, remember that banks never ask you to withdraw cash or transfer money to a third party over the phone—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-01
Older adults lost over $7.5 billion to fraud last year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to pressure victims into quick decisions. AI-powered detection tools are emerging as a solution, with apps like Shield Seniors using machine learning to identify suspicious activity and alert caregivers or institutions in real time to stop scams before money is lost. Experts recommend implementing built-in verification steps during payment processes that force a deliberate pause, rather than relying on emails or alerts that can be easily missed.
denver7.com
· 2026-05-01
Colorado has passed House Bill 26-1110, which allows banks and credit unions to temporarily pause customer transactions when they suspect fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults. The law, called the "Asset Act," aims to prevent financial losses like the $25,000 stolen from one victim through check fraud, by giving financial institutions a critical tool to intervene before scammers can drain accounts. If you're an older adult or vulnerable to scams, staying informed about fraud prevention through seminars offered by banks and being aware of common scams can help protect your finances, and you should alert your bank immediately if you suspect suspicious activity on your account.
tribtoday.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are operating deceptive websites that trick customers into recurring credit-card charges by posing as "expert advice" services or "tech support" providers, often claiming to offer a one-time dollar charge when they're actually enrolling victims in endless monthly billing schemes. Seniors are particularly targeted through pop-up messages claiming device infections and fake support services, with millions falling victim to these scams that can result in stolen credit card information and compromised computers. To protect yourself, never click on suspicious pop-up messages (instead restart your device), be skeptical of unsolicited tech support alerts, and report such scams to the FBI.
pandasecurity.com
· 2026-05-01
In 2025, Americans lost $929 million to romance and relationship fraud, with sugar baby scams being a major culprit where scammers pose as wealthy benefactors offering financial support but disappear after obtaining upfront fees, gift cards, or personal information from victims. These scams typically begin on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust quickly before moving conversations off-platform. To stay safe, be cautious of profiles promising easy money with no strings attached, avoid sharing personal information or paying upfront fees, and verify claims through independent research before engaging further.
en.cryptonomist.ch
· 2026-05-01
Law enforcement dismantled a major international romance scam network targeting cryptocurrency investors, resulting in 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine call centers operating as sophisticated criminal enterprises. Scammers use dating apps and social media to build emotional relationships with victims over weeks or months, then direct them to fake trading platforms showing false profits to extract increasingly large investments before disappearing with the money. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic partners who quickly suggest cryptocurrency investments, verify any investment platform independently before depositing funds, and remember that legitimate investments don't promise guaranteed returns or pressure you to keep investing.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-05-01
Scammers are flooding TikTok with AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna to promote fake money-making programs and reward schemes that actually steal personal data. These manipulated videos use real footage made to look like celebrity endorsements for services like "TikTok Pay," often redirecting users to fraudulent third-party websites that mimic TikTok's branding. To protect yourself, be skeptical of celebrity endorsements on social media, verify offers directly through official platforms rather than clicking ads, and never enter personal information on redirected third-party sites.
ambcrypto.com
· 2026-05-01
Law enforcement agencies from the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security arrested 276 individuals and shut down nine cryptocurrency fraud centers in the first four months of 2026, targeting a surge in crypto scams that have cost American victims millions of dollars. The scams primarily used a "pig butchering" scheme where fraudsters posed as friends or romantic partners to build trust before tricking victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency projects and stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of investment platforms independently, and never send money to people you haven't met in person or verified through official channels.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2026-05-01
Law enforcement agencies from the US, UAE, Thailand, and China arrested 276 people involved in "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that defrauded American victims of millions of dollars. The scammers used fake personal relationships and romance to build trust with victims, then convinced them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes on fake platforms, sometimes pressuring them to borrow money or take out loans. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment contacts online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and never invest money you can't afford to lose or borrow for cryptocurrency schemes.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-04-30
Scams targeting older Americans have surged dramatically, with losses jumping from $600 million in 2020 to over $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is launching awareness efforts during National Elder Law Month this May, highlighting how criminals now use sophisticated tactics like artificial intelligence, impersonation, and emotional manipulation to exploit seniors. NAELA recommends that older adults and their families educate themselves on common scam types, learn to recognize warning signs, and know who to contact if they become victims.
cutoday.info
· 2026-04-30
The League System has released a free Elder Exploitation Prevention Toolkit to help credit unions combat the growing problem of financial fraud targeting older adults. The comprehensive resource is customizable and includes staff training materials, member education content, and community outreach resources designed to help identify and prevent elder financial abuse. Credit unions can use this toolkit to educate their members about fraud risks and equip their staff to recognize warning signs of elder exploitation.
timesleader.com
· 2026-04-30
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and State Senator Lisa Baker hosted a scam prevention event at the Kingston Active Adult Center, where about 65 seniors learned how to recognize and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams targeting older adults. The event, led by David Shallcross from the Attorney General's Senior Protection Unit, focused on teaching seniors to identify red flags and take action when something seems suspicious, as scammers are becoming more aggressive and convincing. Pennsylvania has the third-highest percentage of seniors in the nation, making scam awareness education particularly important for protecting vulnerable older residents.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-04-30
A Cleveland woman named Crysta Willis received a phone call from a scammer posing as a deputy sheriff, claiming her grandson was in jail and needed $5,000 for bail—unaware that her 20-year-old grandson was actually upstairs in her house. Willis, who works in senior outreach and serves on a county scam task force, kept the caller on the line, asking probing questions that exposed his evasiveness, then confronted him about targeting vulnerable seniors. The "grandparent scam" is a widespread scheme where criminals contact older adults with fake emergencies involving grandchildren to pressure them into wire transfers before they can verify the story—so experts recommend always independently contacting family members and local authorities rather than acting immediately on such calls.
wcvb.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are sending phishing emails disguised as party invitations from legitimate platforms like Evite, Punchbowl, and Paperless Post, with malicious links that can steal personal information or install malware when clicked. To protect yourself, hover over links to verify they lead to official domains, be suspicious of unexpected invitations especially from unknown senders, and confirm invitations directly with the sender if you're unsure. If you encounter this scam, report it to the impersonated platform, the Federal Trade Commission, and mark it as phishing in your email provider.
pcmag.com
· 2026-04-30
According to a Federal Trade Commission report, people lost $2.1 billion to scammers operating on social media platforms in recent years, with criminals using tactics like deepfakes created from public photos and impersonation of celebrities or acquaintances. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which exploit trust and familiarity across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, take time before responding, and think critically—especially when money or personal information is requested, as legitimate contacts typically won't pressure you for either.
inquirer.com
· 2026-04-30
Fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake websites, emails, and videos to target people on social media and through phishing attempts. Investment, romance, crypto, and impostor scams are the main culprits, with nearly 30% of victims reporting the scam started on social media. To protect yourself, question unsolicited offers, avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts, access financial accounts only through official websites or apps you type directly into your browser, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
abc30.com
· 2026-04-30
AI-generated scams have exploded in 2025, with social media fraud losses reaching $2.1 billion—eight times higher than in 2020—using tactics like voice cloning and deepfakes to impersonate legitimate contacts and create false urgency. These scams can target anyone regardless of their tech-savviness, as demonstrated when a scam detection company founder nearly fell victim to a fake airline customer support number. To protect yourself, take time before making financial decisions, verify contacts through official channels, and don't let pressure or urgency push you into acting quickly.
kltv.com
· 2026-04-30
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America estimates that Americans lost approximately $119 billion to online scams in 2024—potentially double or triple the officially reported numbers—with investment fraud, crypto schemes, and tech support scams being among the costliest categories. The report reveals that most scams go unreported to authorities, masking the true scale of the problem, which disproportionately affected residents in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. To protect yourself, experts recommend pausing when something seems suspicious and independently verifying requests by calling organizations directly using numbers you find yourself, rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, while also reporting scams to help authorities track the problem.
wral.com
· 2026-04-30
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with nearly 30 percent of scam victims reporting their experience started on social media platforms—an eightfold increase since 2020. Meta-owned platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) accounted for the largest share of losses, with investment scams, shopping scams, and romance scams being the most common types, often using targeted ads and impersonation to deceive victims. To protect yourself, tighten your privacy settings, avoid taking investment advice from strangers online, research companies before purchasing from social media ads, and report suspected scams immediately at ReportFraud.gov.